Sunday, August 11, 2024
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India’s tourism industry is set to see a boost with the introduction of new visa-on-arrival facilities for South Korean nationals. The update was announced in the Lok Sabha by India’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on August 5.
This facility allows South Korean travelers to visit India for tourism, business, conferences or medical purposes, with a stay of up to 60 days and the option of double entry. Travelers can avail the visa on arrival at six designated airports across India, facilitating their journey and enhancing their convenience.
In addition, the Ministry has expanded the scope of its e-Visa service, now offering electronic travel authorization to citizens of 167 countries. This e-Visa allows entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, significantly simplifying the process for international travelers visiting India.
The Ministry of Tourism conducts regular tourism surveys, research and feasibility studies to formulate policy development and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programmes. The data collected from these studies helps identify areas for improvement and ensure that tourism policies are consistent with their intended objectives.
To enhance tourist safety and provide immediate assistance, 15 state governments and union territory administrations have deployed tourist police. The ministry has also set up a 24/7 multilingual tourist information helpline, accessible toll-free at 1800111363 or short code 1363, to provide guidance and information to domestic and foreign tourists in 12 languages, including 10 international languages.
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15, aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India, providing financial assistance to states, union territories and central agencies. Since its inception, 76 projects have been sanctioned under various thematic circles, with a total revised budget of Rs. 5,287.90 crore, of which Rs. 4,944.47 crore has already been disbursed. The scheme has now evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to promote sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a focus on eco-tourism.
In addition, the Ministry has introduced the National Mission for Hajj Rejuvenation and Promotion of Spiritual Heritage (Prashad) as a central sectoral project. This initiative focuses on integrated development of selected Hajj destinations. Under the Prashad scheme, Rs. 1621.14 crore has been allocated, of which Rs. 1024.18 crore has already been disbursed.
South Korean travel consultants can now plan their trips to India with greater ease, thanks to the visa-on-arrival policy, which enhances the convenience of international tourists visiting the country.
Best Tourist Places in Major Indian Cities
Delhi
The Red CastleExplore India’s rich history at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive red sandstone fortress, which was the headquarters of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years, houses several museums filled with artifacts from the Mughal era.
pole of lighthouseBe amazed by the Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing 73 metres tall. Built in the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by historical monuments and lush gardens, making it a must-see architectural wonder.
India GateVisit India Gate, the famous war memorial that honors Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The area around India Gate, Rajpath, is in the heart of Delhi and is a popular place for an evening stroll, featuring beautifully maintained fountains and gardens.
Kolkata
Victoria MemorialDiscover the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial, a marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria and one of Kolkata’s most famous landmarks. Inside, the museum showcases an extensive collection of paintings, artifacts and historical documents from the British era.
Howrah BridgeAdmire the engineering marvels of Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest suspension bridges in the world, connecting Howrah to Kolkata. This city icon offers a stunning view, especially when lit up at night.
Dakshineswar Kali TempleVisit the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River and dedicated to Goddess Kali. This important pilgrimage site offers a serene atmosphere with its beautiful architecture and spiritual ambience.
Bengaluru
Bangalore PalaceStep into the Bengaluru Palace, a majestic building inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. Explore its lavish interiors, featuring intricate carvings, antique furniture and historical artifacts, giving you a glimpse into Bengaluru’s royal past.
Lalbagh Botanical GardenTake a stroll through the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling 240-acre park that showcases a variety of plants, including rare and exotic species. The garden also features a stunning glass house modeled after London’s Crystal Palace and hosts the annual Flower Show.
Cobone ParkEnjoy the tranquility of Cubbon Park, a vast green space in the heart of Bengaluru. Featuring landscaped gardens, statues and walking trails, the park is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation among locals and tourists alike.
